Department of Health research predicts that, unless action is taken, at least 20% of boys and 33% of girls in the United Kingdom will be obese by 2020.

To help tackle the obesity problem in England, the Big Lottery Fund’s Well-Being Programme awarded 7.9M to the MEND initiative which is now being rolled out across the country through local councils and health authorities.

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MEND was launched in Kirklees in May 2007 and is being co-ordinated by Kirklees Physical Activity Development Team in partnership with NHS Kirklees and Kirklees Active Leisure, which manages the authority’s sports venues, and in conjunction with Young PALS, a Council scheme that supports children with weight problems and to which MEND participants are referred on completion of the programme. 

Children Can Mend Their Ways And Live Healthier

Children with weight problems can get themselves on track to a healthier lifestyle with new courses of MEND starting in Kirklees in October.

MEND - (M)ind, (E)xercise and (N)utrition…(D)o It! - is a nationwide scheme aimed at tackling childhood obesity by making  positive and lasting changes in the eating and exercise habits of children and their families. It is for children aged seven to 13 years.

Those changes are encouraged through a FREE nine-week course of twice-weekly exercise and advice sessions, which have to be attended by parents/carers as well as children. The exercise sessions include an hour of sportshall games or swimming pool based games and the advice sessions teach parents/carers easy and effective ways to improve children’s behaviour and self-confidence. There are also practical demonstrations, games and tips about healthy eating.

MEND has been running for over a year in Kirklees and there are now programmes in seven areas of the district. A new course is due to start in each of the areas in early October so now is the time for families to sign up to a healthy lifestyle. 

The MEND courses are starting in:-
North Kirklees
Batley - starting on Wednesday, October 8, and running Wednesdays (4.30pm-6.30pm) and Saturdays (9am-11am) at Batley Sports and Tennis Centre.

Dewsbury - starting on Monday, October 6, and running Mondays (5pm-7pm) and Thursdays (5pm-7pm) at Dewsbury Sports Centre.

Spenborough - starting on Monday, October 16, and running Mondays (5pm-7pm) at Spen Valley High School and Thursdays (5pm-7pm) at Spenborough Baths.

South Kirklees
Colne Valley - starting on Wednesday, October 15, and running Wednesdays (4.15pm-6pm) and Fridays (4.15pm-5.45pm) at Colne Valley Leisure Centre.

Huddersfield North - starting Tuesday, October 7, and running Tuesdays (6pm-8pm) at Huddersfield Sports Centre and Thursdays (4.30pm-6pm) at Christchurch Woodhouse School.

Newsome - starting Monday, October 6, and running Mondays (5pm-7pm) and Wednesdays (5pm-7pm) at Newsome High School.

Scissett - starting Monday, October 13, and running Mondays (5pm-7pm) at Scissett Baths and Thursdays (4.30pm-6.30pm) at Scissett Middle School.

Children and their parents/carers must be able to attend all the sessions of a course.

For further information or to book a place, contact the Physical Activity Development Team, Culture and Leisure Services, tel: 01484 234096.  Children will be assessed for qualification based on age, weight and health.